Former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has admitted that she isn’t surprised by Hannah Hampton’s rise to success over the past two years.
Although Emma Hayes left Chelsea just one year after signing Hannah Hampton, the former Blues boss knows her better than most.
Emma Hayes had no doubt over Hampton’s quality
Hannah Hampton enjoyed a breakout season under Hayes in 2023/24 but it was a year later where the Chelsea star really impressed.
The goalkeeper was recognised with the first-ever Yashin award at this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.
🧤 Hannah Hampton, our first Women’s Yachine Trophy’s winner! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/77Y2Y6bz6O
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) September 27, 2025
Despite Hampton rising to the top level after Hayes departed the club, her old boss never had any doubt in the goalkeeper’s ability.
“To be honest with you, I saw them qualities when she played for Birmingham [City],” Hayes said. “I remember a game we won quite comfortably at Kingsmeadow, and it was her I couldn’t stop looking at. I kept thinking, ‘Oh my goodness, she’s got all the qualities to be the very best’.
“When she went to [Aston] Villa, I kept tracking that career and knew that even though we had top-class quality goalkeepers at Chelsea, you just couldn’t pass up on Hannah Hampton.
“I knew that she was the future for Chelsea and, in this case, England, and I’m not surprised one little bit.”
Hampton won the golden glove last season after keeping 13 clean sheets in the league.
For England the 24-year-old was also faultless this summer, as the Lionesses won a second consecutive European Championship with Hampton playing every minute at the tournament.
Hannah Hampton starting season strong
After a great year last season, Hampton has kicked off her 2025/26 campaign in the same vein.
The Blues have kept two clean sheets in five WSL games so far this year and once again they sit top of the table.
Having shared the Golden Glove with Manchester United’s Phallon Tullis-Joyce last season, the exciting duo faced off last weekend in a thriller at the top of the table.
Chelsea dropped points for the first time this season in the clash following a 1-1 draw.
The draw against United proved that there could be a closer title race this year after six consecutive years of dominance from Chelsea.
